All About Hydrocolloid Plasters
Hydrocolloid plasters and dressings are becoming an increasingly popular choice for wound care ranging from blisters to acne. Learn the difference between hydrocolloid plasters and other common plasters and dressings, and how to apply and remove these unique plasters safely.
What are hydrocolloid plasters?
Hydrocolloid plasters are opaque or transparent dressings for wounds that are biodegradable and breathable. They cushion wounds, absorb fluids, and act as a barrier to protect from the elements.
The term “hydrocolloid” refers to the specially formulated ingredients that turn to a gel when they mix with liquids. So, when a hydrocolloid plaster is secured over a wound, such as a blister, a gel forms as exudate leaves the wound, maintaining a moist, clean environment.
Hydrocolloid plasters are commonly used as blister plasters. The plasters feature a thin, discreet film which secures smoothly to skin. They have a breathable waterproof backing that stretches and flexes with movement to protect wounds from water and germs. They are secured in place with a low-allergy adhesive which minimises the risk of an allergic reaction when applied.
Most hydrocolloid plasters will offer the following features:
- The dressing pad contains gel-forming hydrocolloid
- A waterproof backing, often made of polyurethane
- A variety of shapes and thicknesses available
- Are made especially for difficult-to-dress wound areas such as elbows and heels
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Hydrocolloid Plasters: How do they work?
So, what do hydrocolloid plasters do?
Hydrocolloid plasters and dressings provide cushioning, barrier protection, and exudate absorption. This keeps the wound area clean, and the damp surroundings prevent the formation of hard scabs.
A hydrocolloid plaster has several functions:
- They create a protective, waterproof barrier against the outside world.
- The cushion the wound to soften any potentially painful pressure or knocks.
- They absorb exudate from the wound or blister.
Hydrocolloid Plasters: Benefits
Choose Steroplast Hydrocolloid Plasters for guaranteed quality and a wide range of benefits including
- They don’t stick to the wound.
- They are hypoallergenic to be kind to sensitive skin.
- Each plaster is individually wrapped for added hygiene and protection.
- They reduce the chance of introduction of bacteria and other contamination thanks to a physical barrier.
- Each plaster is water-resistant, helping protect the delicate environment while the skin heals.
- Their outer layer is flexible, moulding around skin and stretching with natural body motions for comfort and protection.
- The transparent material of each plaster blends in against the skin, making them highly discreet.
Hydrocolloid Plaster Uses
Hydrocolloid plasters and dressings were specially developed for wounds where liquid forms between two layers of injured skin. These types of injuries are prone to infection and further damage as the outer layer of blistered skin is at risk of rupturing or tearing, worsening the injury and increasing the healing time.
The most common injuries that benefit from hydrocolloid plasters and dressings are:
- Friction blisters (usually caused by repeated rubbing or uncomfortable, ill-fitting shoes)
- Spots and acne (where a blemish filled with pus has formed)
Friction Blisters
Hydrocolloid plasters are a popular product for use on blisters, often those caused by rubbing shoes. They adhere well and can be kept on for up to a week so they are ideal for covering painful blisters until they’re gone. Their hydrocolloid technology keeps them clean and moist.
Other uses
There is also some evidence that hydrocolloid dressings are a good choice for treating skin graft donor sites. Large, non-adhesive hydrocolloid dressings are becoming increasingly popular in medical settings to treat large wound areas prone to infection.
How to apply Hydrocolloid Plasters
Applying a hydrocolloid plaster is similar to the best practices for most wound care for small cuts or grazes.
Follow these steps:
- Wash your hands and put gloves on, if available.
- Clean wound with cleansing wipes or saline solution.
- Pat wound dry with clean gauze.
- Choose a hydrocolloid plaster that will fully cover the area of the wound.
- Hold the hydrocolloid plaster between your clean hands to warm it so that it adheres better.
- Remove the backing from the hydrocolloid plaster.
- Apply the plaster directly over the centre of the wound site.
- Smooth the plaster over the wound evenly and adhere to the sides. Hold to improve the adhesion.
- Apply tape if the plaster doesn’t fully seal at the edge to secure the dressing.
- Throw away waste, remove gloves and discard them.
A 2014 study found that:
Hydrocolloid dressings are designed to be worn for up to a week. Infrequent dressing changes are less disruptive to the wound bed, provided that healthy skin is not compromised. Many patients--and even some medical professionals--still incorrectly believe that wounds need to be exposed to the air to heal properly.
For this reason, leave your hydrocolloid plaster on until it begins to come loose naturally. Always monitor the plaster and wound to ensure there is no sign of swelling or redness which could indicate infection.
How to remove a Hydrocolloid Plaster
When you need to remove a hydrocolloid plaster, follow these steps:
- Press down on the skin near the edge of the plaster and lift up the adhesive on one side.
- Continue to lift around the edges of the plaster until all the adhesive is free.
- Carefully peel the plaster back from the wound in the direction of hair growth. Peel slowly and cautiously to reduce the risk of breaking open the healing skin again.
- If the wound is still open or damaged from the removal, apply a new plaster using the steps above.
When the plaster is replaced, all the exudate is removed from the top of the wound, and the new, clean plaster continues to protect the area with a fresh layer of hydrocolloid.
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